Chief Executive Chui Sai On, Monday in Fuzhou announced the creation of a working team, headed by the Secretary for the Economy and Finance, to discuss the strengthening of cooperation ties with the province of Fujian.

Chui, who was speaking during a meeting with the governor of Fujian Province, Su Shulin, recalled that cooperation with the Chinese province is one of the priorities of the Macau government and noted the importance of residents with ties to Fujian, in Macau, who contribute to cooperation between the two regions.

The Chief Executive also said that the project of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Route Economic Belt” and construction of the pilot project of the free trade area in Fujian are important economic instruments that introduce a new dynamic and strengthen two-way cooperation.

Chui Sai On, according to a statement from the Government Information Bureau, made a proposal at the meeting to organise official visits to Fujian province to get to know the various regulations of the free trade area, boost investment by Macau companies and develop working exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The Chief Executive also called for taking advantage of the geographical position of Fujian in the “21st Century Maritime Silk Route” and to integrate Macau in the same strategy, particularly with regard to Macau as a platform for economic cooperation and trade between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
Finally Chui Sai On also intends to create a cultural tourism brand based on the Goddess A-Ma, venerated in both the regions, boosting promotion of the festivities abroad to attract more international tourists.

At the meeting Governor Su Shulin said that contacts between Fujian and Macau are very close and cooperation was comprehensive and said that Fujian was available to support and participate in the diversification of industries and strengthen tourism and cultural cooperation.

Su Shulin also noted that Fujian can, through Macau’s service platform, creating economic and trade relations with Portuguese-speaking countries and pointed out that in view of the close contacts with Taiwan in the economic, trade and cultural areas, the Chinese province was also available to serve as a platform for Macau and Taiwan. (macaunews/macauhub)